Respect, courtesy and manners have always been a biggie w/me. I was raised to call my elders Mr. or Mrs. and to this day, I still call them that even though they've said "Mary, you may call me by my first name now". LOL To cuss out my MIL, no, I would never have dreamed of doing that and my late MIL and I had many a disagreement but that's life. I would be so hurt and disappointed if my son spoke to any of his elders in that manner. No, you're not off base; you're right on the money. Civility is rapidly becoming a thing of the past. It seems as though people are more intent on "giving it to someone" and "telling them off" than they are w/making their point in a calm, rational, respectful manner whether to their elders or anyone else.